Elsa Barker's Letters from a Living Dead Man (E. P. Dutton & Company, 1920) is a collection of letters that the author claims to have received through automatic writing from a person she refers to as "X."

In the first three letters, "X," who has moved on to the world after death, begins speaking again, and asks the writer to keep this correspondence secret for the time being. And it conveys the importance of protecting oneself against influences from an invisible world.

Descriptions of paranormal phenomena, automatic writing, and life after death are claims and anecdotes from the original author and do not represent a certification of facts by the translator.

Letter I — Return

I am here. Without a doubt.

I was the one who said it earlier. Now, I am saying it again.

I had a wonderful experience. I can now remember many things that I had forgotten. What happened was for the best. It could not have been avoided.

I can see you. However, I cannot see you very clearly.

There was almost no darkness. The light here is wonderful. It's far more wonderful than tropical sunlight.

No, I still can't quite grasp what's happening in Paris. Everything is different. The fact that I can see you now is probably thanks to your own vitality.

Letter II — Don't tell anyone.

I am currently in front of you in physical space. That is, I am directly facing you and probably sitting on something that appears to be a long chair or sofa.

It is easier to come to your place when it gets dark.

When I leave here, I remembered that you might be able to let me talk through your hand.

I have already become stronger. There is nothing to fear about this change in state.

I still cannot tell you how long I have been silent. It didn't feel like a very long time.

I was the one who signed "X". My teacher helped me to make connections.

It would be better if you don't tell anyone other than me for a while. I don't want anything to hinder me from coming at the time and place I desire. Sometimes, I may need your help. I won't abuse it.

I will stay here until I am ready to return with strength. Please wait for me. However, that time has not yet come.

Currently, things seem easier than I had felt for a long time. The burden I was carrying seems lighter. Perhaps I could have stayed in my body longer, but that effort didn't seem worthwhile.

I met my teacher. My teacher is nearby. The attitude that my teacher shows towards me is very comforting.

However, I want to go now. Good night.

Letter III — Protecting the Door

In order to protect yourself from things that come rushing towards you, you must take some precautions.

You should cast a spell on yourself in the evening and morning. There is nothing that cannot pass through that wall – nothing that you are forbidden to accept into your soul.

Do not let the larvae of this astral world absorb your energy. No, they will not bother me. I am already accustomed to their existence. If you protect yourself, there is absolutely nothing to fear.